Passively triggered wagering system

ABSTRACT

In an interactive entertainment game, passively actuated enabling elements are provided when a player elects to include them. Passively actuated enabling elements are enabling elements that are consumed through game play of the entertainment game but not directly through player action by a player. The system determines when a passively actuated enabling element is consumed in the game. A gambling event is provided based upon the consumption of the passively actuated enabling element. The system then resolves the gambling event and associated wagers on the outcome of the gambling event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/966,590, filed Apr. 4, 2018 which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/336,696, filed Oct. 27, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/825,056, filed Aug.12, 2015, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,495,837 on Nov. 15, 2016, whichis a continuation of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US14/15894, filed Feb. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/763,684, filed Feb. 12, 2013, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein as if setforth herewith. This application references Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication Nos. PCT/US12/58156, filed Sep. 29, 2012, PCT/US11/26768,filed Mar. 1, 2011, PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, andPCT/US12/50204 filed Aug. 9, 2012, each disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to gaming andmore specifically to systems and processes that provide a gamblinghybrid game in which gambling events in the gambling game are triggeredby passive game events during play of an entertainment game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of gamingmachines to enable wagering for interested parties whilst providing anentertainment experience. An exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine.As the demographic of eligible players has shifted with time to newergenerations who have grown accustomed to highly sophisticated graphicsand interactive video games, a need has arisen to increase theentertainment content present on a gaming machine to keep it relevant,at least to a growing portion of a casino's patronage. The subjectdesign is a form of gaming machine, designed for use in a physical orvirtual casino environment, which provides players an environment inwhich to play for cash, prizes and points, either against the casino orin head to head modes in a controlled and regulated manner while beingallowed to use their skills and adeptness at a particular type of game.An example of such a game would be a challenging word spelling game, oran interactive action game such as is found on video game consolespopular today, such as a PlayStation®, an Xbox®, a Wii® or a PC basedgame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to an interactiveentertainment game where skill and chance may coalesce to provide a richarcade-style gaming experience, visually exciting and challenging, whereplayers may wager cash, credits prizes and points in order to win moreof the foregoing. Many of the embodiments of the design provide anenticing method of gaming to the players who expect a high level ofentertainment content in their gaming experience compared to therelatively simple game methods in use today.

Systems in accordance with embodiments of this invention provide apassively triggered wagering system including a processing device,connected to a game world server via a network, constructed to: executethe interactive entertainment game; receive, from a player, a request tointroduce a passively actuated enabling element into the interactiveentertainment game wherein the passively actuated enabling element is anenabling element that is consumed through game play of the interactiveentertainment game in a manner that is not directly responsive to aplayer action; provide a visual display of the interactive entertainmentgame; communicate, to the game world server via the network, a signalincluding an update of interactive entertainment game information;receive, from the game world server via the network, a signal includinga result of a gambling event; and display to the player the result ofthe gambling event; a real world server, connected to the game worldserver via a communication link, constructed to: receive, from the gameworld server via the communication link, a signal including a requestfor a resolution to the gambling event; determine a result of thegambling event; and communicate, to the game world server via thecommunication link, the signal including a result of the gambling event;and the game world server, connected to the processing device via thenetwork and connected to the real world server via the communicationlink, constructed to: manage the interactive entertainment game;receive, from the processing device via the network, the request fromthe player to introduce the passively actuated enabling element into theinteractive entertainment game; deduct an amount of currency from aplayer account required to introduce the passively actuated enablingelement into the interactive entertainment game; receive, from theprocessing device via the network, the signal including an update ofinteractive game information; determine when the passively actuatedenabling element is consumed in the interactive entertainment game basedon the signal including an update of interactive entertainment gameinformation; initiate the gambling event based on the determination thatthe passively actuated enabling element has been consumed; communicateto the real world server via the communication link, the signalincluding a request for a resolution to the gambling event; receive,from the real world server via the communication link, the signalincluding a result of the gambling event; and communicate, to theprocessing device via the network, the signal including a result of thegambling event.

In accordance with numerous embodiments the game world server is furtherconstructed to automatically award an amount of a currency that may beused to change an interactive entertainment game characteristic based onthe result of the gambling event.

In accordance with numerous embodiments the game world server is furtherconstructed to automatically award an amount of a currency that may beused to change an interactive entertainment game characteristic based onthe result of the gambling event as well as the result of theconsumption of the passively actuated enabling element in theinteractive entertainment game.

In accordance with numerous embodiments the game world server determinesthat the player account lacks the amount of currency required tointroduce the passively actuated enabling element into the interactiveentertainment game, and prompts the player to add additional currency tothe player account.

In accordance with numerous embodiments, the real world server and thegame world server are constructed from different processing apparatuses,and the game world server and the real world server are connected by anetwork.

In accordance with numerous embodiments, the game world server and theprocessing device are constructed from different processing apparatuses;and the game world server and the processing device are connected by anetwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual diagram of components of a gamblinghybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conceptual diagram of aspects of a Real WorldEngine (RWE) of a gambling hybrid game in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a conceptual diagram of aspects of a Real WorldEngine of a gambling hybrid game in accordance with some otherembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling diagram of communications between a RealWorld Engine (RWE) and an external system to provide various functionsin accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a process flow and signalingin a Real World Engine to provide various functions in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a conceptual diagram of aspects of an EntertainmentSystem Engine in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a conceptual diagram of interactions between a userand a gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conceptual diagram of the interplay between aspectsof a gambling hybrid game in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention using Real World Currency (RC).

FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual diagram of illustrates the interplaybetween aspects of a gambling hybrid game in accordance with otherembodiments of the invention using Virtual Real World Currency (VRC).

FIG. 10 illustrates a system diagram of an implementation of a networkbased gambling hybrid game in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a system diagram of an implementation of an Internetbased gambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system diagram of an implementation of a cloudbased gambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of components of a deviceimplementing a gambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of a process performed by a gamblinghybrid game to provide passively triggered wagering in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of a process performed by a gamblinghybrid game to provide passively triggered wagering with quanta awardedbased on a result of a gambling event and/or game play of anentertainment game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for providing agambling hybrid game that provides passively triggered wagering aredisclosed. In accordance with embodiments of this invention, anentertainment game is provided by an Entertainment System Engine (ESE)and a gambling game is provided by a Real World Engine (RWE). A GameWorld Engine monitors the game play of the entertainment game providedby the ESE and determines when a gambling event is to occur based on thegame play of the entertainment game. The GWE then requests that the RWEresolve the gambling event in the gambling game either while game playin the entertainment game is continued or while is paused to resolve thegambling event. The RWE resolves the gambling event including resolvingany wagers on the outcome of a gambling event and provides the resultsto the GWE. The GWE then determines any effects the results of theoutcome of the gambling event have on the entertainment game and updatesthe ESE accordingly to continue game play.

In many embodiments of Gambling Hybrid Games (HyG), the consumption ofan Enabling Element (EE), the occurrence of an Action Element (AE),and/or some other player interaction with an entertainment initiates agambling event in the gambling game. In accordance with many embodimentsof this invention, a gambling hybrid game (HyG) initiates a gamblingevent based on an event that is not explicitly triggered by a player'saction. For example, the consumption of some EE, such as but not limitedto armor, may not be explicitly triggered by a player's actions in someembodiments. This type of EE is referred to as a “Passively ActuatedEnabling Element” (PAEE) is consumed through entertainment game play butnot directly through player action. In many embodiments in accordancewith this invention, the consumption of a PAEE initiates a gamblingevent in a gambling game. When a single PAEE is consumed, and acorresponding commitment of RC can be made to a wager on a gamblingevent in a gambling game with its associated pay table. In someembodiments, accumulation of PAEE initiates a gambling event in agambling game.

The gambling hybrid game can provide one or more gambling games. In thegambling game(s), the outcomes of a gambling event and associated wagersare determined solely on the outcome of a Pseudo Random or Random NumberGenerator (P/RNG) based gaming module. In accordance with embodiments ofthe invention, the gambling hybrid game offers an enriched gamingexperience, based on game play of the fixed shooter game provided by anentertainment system engine which through the game world engine (GWE) ofthe gambling hybrid game triggers real world gambling events in the oneor more gambling games via the real world engine (RWE).

Gambling Hybrid Games

In accordance with many embodiments of this invention, a gambling hybridgame integrates high-levels of entertainment content with a game ofskill (entertainment game) and a gambling experience with a game ofchance (gambling game). A gambling hybrid game provides for randomoutcomes independent of player skill while providing that the user'sgaming experience (as measured by obstacles/challenges encountered, timeof play and other factors) is shaped by the player's skill. The outcomeof a gambling proposition that is determined by a Pseudo Random orRandom Number Generator (P/RNG) or other such device that provides arandom outcome in response to a request. In accordance with someembodiments, the wager game may be initiated in response to a gameobject related player action. A gambling hybrid game in accordance withan embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The gamblinghybrid game 128 includes a Real World Engine (RWE) 102, a Game WorldEngine (GWE) 112, an Entertainment System Engine (ESE) 120, a gamblinggame user interface 122 and an entertainment game user interface 124.The two user interfaces can be part of the same user interface but areseparate in the illustrated embodiment. The RWE 102 is connected withthe GWE 112 and the gambling game user interface 122. The ESE 120 isconnected with the GWE 112 and the entertainment game user interface124. The GWE 112 is connected also with the entertainment game userinterface 124.

In accordance with several embodiments, the RWE 102 is the operatingsystem for the gambling game of the gambling hybrid game 128 andcontrols and operates the gambling game. The operation of a gamblinggame is enabled by Real World Currency (RC), such as money or other realworld funds. A gambling game can increase or decrease an amount of RCbased on random gambling outcomes, where the gambling proposition of agambling game is typically regulated by gaming control bodies. In manyembodiments, the RWE includes a Real World (RW) operating system (OS)104, P/RNG 106, level n real-world credit pay tables (Table Ln-RC) 108,RC meters 110 and other software constructs that enable a game of chanceto offer a fair and transparent gambling proposition, and to contain theauditable systems and functions that can enable the game to obtaingaming regulatory body approval.

A Pseudo Random or Random Number Generator (P/RNG) 106 includes softwareand/or hardware algorithms and/or processes, which are used to generaterandom outcomes. A level n real-world credit pay table (Table Ln-RC) 108is a table that can be used in conjunction with a Pseudo Random orRandom Number Generator (P/RNG) 106 to dictate the RC earned as afunction of sponsored gameplay and is analogous to the pay tables usedin a conventional slot machine. Table Ln-RC payouts are independent ofplayer skill. There can be one table or multiple tables included inLn-RC pay tables 108 contained in a gambling game, the selection ofwhich can be determined by factors including (but not limited to) gameprogress that a player has earned, and/or bonus rounds for which aplayer can be eligible. RCs are credits analogous to slot machine gamecredits, which are entered into a gambling game by the user, either inthe form of money such as hard currency or electronic funds. RCs can bedecremented or augmented based on the outcome of a pseudo random orrandom number generator according to the table Ln-RC real world creditspay table 108, independent of player skill. In certain embodiments, anamount of RC can be used as criteria in order to enter higher ESE gamelevels. RC can be carried forward to higher game levels or paid out if acash out is opted for by a player. The amount of RC used to enter aspecific level of the game level n need not be the same for each level.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, the GWE 112manages the overall gambling hybrid game operation, with the RWE 102 andthe ESE 120 effectively being support units to the GWE 112. Inaccordance with some of these embodiments, the GWE 112 containsmechanical, electronic, and software systems for an entertainment game.The GWE 112 includes an Operating System (OS) 114 that provides controlof the entertainment game. The GWE additionally contains a level n gameworld credit pay table (table Ln-GWC) 116 from where to take input fromthis table to affect the play of the entertainment game. The GWE 112 canfurther couple to the RWE 102 to determine the amount of RC available onthe game and other metrics of wagering on the gambling game (andpotentially affect the amount of RC in play on the RWE). The GWEadditionally contains various audit logs and activity meters (such asthe GWC meter) 118. The GWE 112 can also couple to a centralized serverfor exchanging various data related to the player and their activitieson the game. The GWE 112 furthermore couples to the ESE 120.

In accordance with some embodiments, a level n game world credit paytable (Table Ln-GWC) 116 dictates the Game World Credit (GWC) earned asa function of player skill in the nth level of the game. The payoutsgoverned by this table are dependent upon player skill and sponsoredgameplay at large and can or cannot be coupled to a P/RNG. In accordancewith some embodiments, GWCs are player points earned or depleted as afunction of player skill, specifically as a function of playerperformance in the context of the game. GWC is analogous to the score ina typical video game. Each entertainment game has one or more scoringcriterion, embedded within the table Ln-GWC 116 that reflects playerperformance against the goal(s) of the game. GWCs can be carried forwardfrom one level of sponsored gameplay to another, and ultimately paid outin various manners such as directly in cash, or indirectly such as byearning entrance into a sweepstakes drawing, or earning participationin, or victory in, a tournament with prizes. GWCs can be stored on aplayer tracking card or in a network-based player tracking system, wherethe GWCs are attributed to a specific player.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the operation of the GWE doesnot affect the RWE's gambling operation except for player choiceparameters that are allowable in slot machines, including but notlimited to, wager terms such as, but not limited to, a wager amount, howfast the player wants to play (by pressing a button or pulling thehandle of a slot machine), and/or agreement to wager into a bonus round.In this sense, the RWE 102 provides a fair and transparent, non-skillbased gambling proposition co-processor to the GWE 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the communication link shown between the GWE 112and the RWE 102 allows the GWE 112 to obtain information from the RWE102 as to the amount of RC available in the gambling game. Thecommunication link can also convey a status operation of the RWE (suchas on-line or tilt). The communication link can further communicate thevarious gambling control factors which the RWE 102 uses as input, suchas the number of RC consumed per game or the player's election to entera jackpot round. In FIG. 1, the GWE 112 is also shown as connecting tothe player's user interface directly, as this can be utilized tocommunicate certain entertainment game club points, player status,control the selection of choices and messages which a player can finduseful in order to adjust the entertainment game experience orunderstand their gambling status in the RWE 102.

In accordance with various embodiments of this invention, the ESE 120manages and controls the visual, audio, and player control for theentertainment game. In accordance with certain embodiments, the ESE 120accepts input from a player through a set of hand controls, and/or head,gesture, and/or eye tracking systems and outputs video, audio and/orother sensory output to a user interface. In accordance with manyembodiments, the ESE 120 can exchange data with and accept controlinformation from the GWE 112. In accordance with some of theseembodiments, an ESE 120 can be implemented using a Personal Computer(PC), a Sony PlayStation® (a video game console developed by SonyComputer Entertainment of Tokyo Japan), or Microsoft Xbox® (a video gameconsole developed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.) running aspecific entertainment game software program. In accordance with some ofthese embodiments, ESE 120 can be an electromechanical game system of agambling hybrid game that is an electromechanical hybrid game. Anelectromechanical hybrid game executes an electromechanical game forplayer entertainment. The electromechanical game can be any game thatutilizes both mechanical and electrical components, where the gameoperates as a combination of mechanical motions performed by at leastone player or the electromechanical game itself. Variouselectromechanical hybrid games are discussed in Patent CooperationTreaty Application No. PCT/US12/58156, filed Sep. 29, 2012, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The ESE 120 operates mostly independently from the GWE 112, except thatvia the interface, the GWE 112 can send certain entertainment gamecontrol parameters and elements to the ESE 120 to affect its play, suchas (but not limited to) what level of character to be using, changingthe difficulty level of the game, changing the type of gun or car inuse, and/or requesting potions to become available or to be found by thecharacter. These game control parameters and elements can be based on agambling outcome of a gambling game that was triggered by an element inthe entertainment game being acted upon by the player. The ESE 120 canaccept this input from the GWE 112, make adjustments, and continueentertainment game gameplay all the while running seamlessly from theplayer's perspective. The ESE's operation is mostly skill based, exceptfor where the ESE's processes can inject complexities into the game bychance in its normal operation to create unpredictability in theentertainment game. Utilizing this interface, the ESE 120 can alsocommunicate player choices made in the game to the GWE 112, such as butnot limited to selection of a different gun, and/or the player pickingup a special potion in the GW environment. The GWE's function in thisarchitecture, being interfaced with the ESE 120, is to allow thetransparent coupling of entertainment software to a fair and transparentrandom chance gambling game, providing a seamless perspective to theplayer that they are playing a typical popular entertainment game (whichis skill based). In accordance with certain embodiments, the ESE 120 canbe used to enable a wide range of entertainment games including but notlimited to popular titles from arcade and home video games, such as butnot limited to Gears of War (a third person shooter game developed byEpic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis (a shooter arcade game developedby Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), or Madden Football (an American footballvideo game developed by EA Tiburon of Maitland, Fla.). Providers of suchsoftware can provide the previously described interface by which the GWE120 can request amendments to the operation of the ESE software in orderto provide seamless and sensible operation as both a gambling game andan entertainment game.

In accordance with some embodiments, the RWE 102 can accept a trigger torun a gambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 120 to the GWE 112, or astriggered by the GWE 112 based on its algorithms, background to theoverall game from the player's perspective, but can provide informationto the GWE 112 to expose the player to certain aspects of the gamblinggame, such as (but not limited to) odds, amount of RC in play, andamount of RC available. The RWE 102 can accept modifications in theamount of RC wagered on each individual gambling try, or the number ofgambling games per minute the RWE 102 can execute, entrance into a bonusround, and other factors, all the while these factors can take adifferent form than that of a typical slot machine. An example of avarying wager amount that the player can choose can include, but is notlimited to, gameplay with a more powerful character, a more powerfulgun, or a better car. These choices can increase or decrease the amountwagered per individual gambling game, in the same manner that a standardslot machine player can decide to wager more or less credits for eachpull of the handle. In accordance with some of these embodiments, theRWE 102 can communicate a number of factors back and forth to the GWE112, via an interface, such increase/decrease in wager being a functionof the player's decision making as to their operational profile in theentertainment game (such as but not limited to the power of thecharacter, gun selection or car choice). In this manner, the player isalways in control of the per game wager amount, with the choice mappingto some parameter or component that is applicable to the entertainmentgame experience of the hybrid game. In accordance with a particularembodiment, the RWE 102 operation can be a game of chance as a gamblinggame running every 10 seconds where the amount wagered is communicatedfrom the GWE 112 as a function of choices the player makes in theoperation profile in the entertainment game.

In many embodiments, a gambling hybrid game integrates a video gamestyle gambling machine, where the gambling game (including an RWE 102and RC) is not player skill based, while at the same time allows playersto use their skills to earn club points which a casino operator cantranslate to rewards, tournament opportunities and prizes for theplayers. The actual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directlyfrom gambling against a game of chance in a gambling game, such as aslot machine, is preserved. At the same time, a rich environment ofrewards to stimulate gamers can be established with the entertainmentgame. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the gambling hybridgame can leverage very popular titles with gamers and provides a seachange environment for casinos to attract players with games that aremore akin to the type of entertainment that a younger generationdesires. In accordance with various embodiments, players can use theirskill towards building and banking Game World Credit (GWC) that in turncan be used to enter tournaments and/or win various prizes as a functionof their gamer prowess. Numerous embodiments minimize the underlyingchanges needed to the aforementioned entertainment software for thehybrid game to operate within an entertainment game construct, thusmaking a plethora of complex game titles and environments, rapid andinexpensive to deploy in a gambling environment.

In accordance with some embodiments, gambling hybrid games also allowplayers to gain entry into subsequent competitions through theaccumulation of Game World Credits (GWC) as a function of the user'sdemonstrated skill at the game. These competitions can pit individualplayers or groups of players against one another and/or against thecasino to win prizes based upon a combination of chance and skill. Thesecompetitions can be either asynchronous events, whereby playersparticipate at a time and/or place of their choosing, or they can besynchronized events, whereby players participate at a specific timeand/or venue.

In accordance with some embodiments, one or more players engage inplaying an entertainment game, resident in the ESE, the outcomes ofwhich are dependent at least in part on skill. The gambling hybrid gamecan include an entertainment game that includes head to head playbetween a single player and the computer, between two or more playersagainst one another, or multiple players playing against the computerand/or each other, as well as the process by which players bet on theoutcome of the entertainment game. The entertainment game can also be agame where the player is not playing against the computer or any otherplayer, such as in games where the player is effectively playing againsthimself or herself (such as but not limited to Solitaire and Babette).

In accordance with some embodiments, the use of the RWE, GWE and ESEallows for the separation of control of a gambling hybrid game betweendifferent devices. For example, the ESE may be hosted by a device thatis separate from any devices that host the RWE and/or GWE. Throughseparation of control of the functions of the ESE, RWE and GWE, the RWEmay be isolated from the player's device, thus preventing playerinterference with the RWE and the gambling game. In addition, as the ESEis responsible for providing the entertainment game, gambling hybridgames may provide for complex entertainment games for the player as theESE need not include the tightly regulated components of the RWE, thusproviding for more freedom in ESE design. Also, separation of controlallows a GWE to provide complex wager initiation rules that would not bepossible if the either the ESE or the RWE were to be in control of thewager initiation.

In accordance with various embodiments, a gambling hybrid game allowsfor interleaving of continuous wagering within an entertainment game.For example, instead of wagering once, and then playing an entertainmentgame to completion, or playing an entertainment game to completion andthen placing a wager, a gambling hybrid game allows a gaming system ordevice to be provided to a player where the gaming system or deviceprovides a complex and interesting entertainment game with wageringincorporated throughout the entertainment game.

In various embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides for feedbackinto the entertainment game of additional entertainment game resourcesthat are made available in the ESE for the use of the player as theresult of wagering outcomes. The additional entertainment game resourcesmay enable portions of the entertainment game that were not available tothe player without the resources.

In many embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides the ability to usethe gambling hybrid game in more than one jurisdiction, as the ESE is acomponent separate from the GWE and RWE. For example, the ESE may beoperated as either a pure entertainment game, or as a gambling gamedepending on the type of characteristics of the RWE that the ESE iscoupled to.

In some embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides for display of anentertainment game on a player's device that the player is using tointeract with the entertainment game, as well as providing a separatedisplay of a state of a gambling game on a separate gambling gamedisplay. The separate gambling game display may be on the player'sdevice within the same physical display device, on a separate devicehaving a separate physical screen, or on a separate physical displaydevice on the player's device.

The components provided by the RWE for a gambling hybrid game inaccordance with embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG. 2. Inaccordance with embodiments of the invention, the RWE includes aninternal bus 225 that connects an operating system OS 221, a PseudoRandom or Random Number Generator (P/RNG) 220, one or more pay tables(Table Ln-RC) 223 which would control the functions of the RWE, a PseudoRandom or Random Number Generator (P/RNG) 220 to produce random numbers,one or more pay tables (Table Ln-RC) 223, a wagering control module 222,an authorization access module 224, and a RC credit meter 226 that areincluded in the RWE 204. The RW OS 221 controls the functions of theRWE. The P/RNG 220 includes one or more RNGs that are used to producerandom numbers for use in resolving gambling events and other processrequiring a random number to determine an outcome. The one or more paytables (Table Ln-RC) 223 contain a plurality of factors indexed by therandom number to be multiplied with the RC wagered to determine thepayout on a successful wager. A wagering control module 222 performs theprocesses to resolve a wager on a proposition of a gambling event. Theresolution process includes, but is not limited to, pulling randomnumbers, looking up factors in Pay Tables, multiplying the factors bythe amount of RC wagered, and administering a RC credit meter 226. Arepository (a credit meter) 926 maintains a record of the amount of RCwhich player has deposited in the game and has been accumulated by theplayer.

An external connection allows the RWE 204 to interface to another systemor device, which is shown in FIG. 2 as the internet 205 but may be anyother network and/or device. The authorization access module 224 of RWE204 is connected to the external connection and provides a method topermit access and command exchange between an external system and theRWE 204. The RWE 204 also contains storage for statuses, wagers, wageroutcomes, meters and other historical events in a storage device 116.

In some embodiments, the RWE communicates with external systems toprovide various functions of a gambling hybrid game in accordance withembodiments of the invention. The components of an RWE that communicatewith an external system to provide a component of the RWE in accordancewith embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG. 3. The RWE 204 shownin FIG. 3 is similar to the RWE shown in FIG. 2. However, the P/RNG 220which is an external system connected to the RWE 204 by the internet 905in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The P/RNG 220 could bea central deterministic system, such as a regulated and controlledrandom numbered ball selection device, or some other system whichprovides random or pseudo random numbers to one or a plurality ofconnected RWEs 204. One skilled in the art will recognize that onlyP/RNG 220 is an external system in the shown embodiments. However, anyof the components could be external systems without departing from theinvention and P/RNG 220 is shown as an example only.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the RWE 204 interfaces with other systems/devices orto an external P/RNG 220 using the Internet 205. However, one skilled inthe art will note that nothing would preclude using a differentinterface than the internet 205 in other embodiments of the invention.Other examples of interfaces include, but are not limited to, a LAN, aUSB interface, or some other method by which two electronic and softwareconstructs could communicate with each other.

The RWE and an external system typically communicate to provide theresolution of gambling events to resolve wagers on the events. Thesignals between the RWE and an external system to provide some processrelated to resolving gambling events in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention are shown in FIG. 4. In accordance with embodiments of theinvention, the primary function of the RWE 204 is to manage wageringevents and to provide random (or pseudo random) numbers from a P/RNG. Atthe top of the figure, a 6 component communication exchange grouped bythe “1” box is shown for a wager on a proposition in a gambling eventduring a gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. An external system 450 that is requesting wagering supportfrom the RWE 204 instructs the RWE 204 as to the pay table (Table Ln-RC)to use (410), followed by the amount of RC to wager on the propositionof the gambling event (412). Next, the external system 450 signals theRWE to trigger a wager or perform the gambling event (414). The RWE 204resolves the gambling event. The RWE 204 then informs external system450 as to the outcome of the wager (416), the amount of RC won (418),and the amount of RC in the player's account (in the credit repository)(420).

A second communication exchange between the RWE 204 and an externalsystem 450 in accordance with embodiments of the invention that is shownin FIG. 4 is grouped by the “2” box in FIG. 4 and relates to theexternal system 450 needing a P/RNG result support from the RWE 204. Inthis exchange, the external system 450 requests a P/RNG result from theRWE 204 (430). The RWE 204 returns a P/RNG result to the external 450 inresponse to the request (432). The result may be generated as a functionof the internal P/RNG in the RWE 204, or from a P/RNG external to theRWE 204 to which the RWE 204 is connected.

A third communication exchange between the RWE 204 and the externalsystem 405 in accordance with embodiments of the invention that is shownin FIG. 4 is grouped by the “3” box in the figure and relates to theexternal system 450 wanting support on coupling a P/RNG result to aparticular Pay Table contained in the RWE 204. In this exchange, theexternal system 450 instructs the RWE as to the pay table (Table Ln-RC)to use 450 (440). The external system then requests a result whereby theP/RNG result is coupled to the requested Pay Table (442). The result isreturned to the external system 405 by RWE 204 (444). Such an aspect isdifferent from the first exchange shown by the box“1” sequence in thatno actual RC wager is conducted. However, such a process might be usefulin coupling certain non-RC wagering entertainment game behaviors andpropositions to the same final resultant wagering return which isunderstood for the gambling hybrid game to conduct wagering.

In regards to FIG. 4, one skilled in the art will note that the thrustof the FIG. 4 is to convey overall functional exchanges between an RWE204 and an external system 450. As such, various protocol layersnecessary for error free and secure communication, and other status,setup, and configuration commands which one might expect in any protocolbetween two connected systems have been omitted for clarity.Furthermore, some or all of the various commands and responsesillustrated could be combined into one or more communication packetswithout departing from the invention.

The process flow for functional communication exchanges, such ascommunication exchanges described above with reference to FIG. 4,between a RWE and an external system in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention are shown in FIG. 5. The process begins by a RWE 204receiving signals from an external system requesting a connection to RWE204 (502). The Access Authorization Module determines that the externalsystem authorized to connect to RWE 204 (504) and transmits anauthorization response to the external system. The external systems thatmade the request to connect then signals a request for a gambling eventis to be performed to RWE 294 (506). The request may include anindication of a wager amount on a proposition in the gambling event, anda proper pay table to use to resolve the wager. The external system thensends a signal to trigger the gambling event (508).

The OS 221 instructs the Wager Control Module 222 as to the RC wager andthe Pay Table to select as well as to resolve the wager execute (510).In response to the request to execute the gambling event, the wagercontrol module 222 requests a random number result from the P/RNG 220(512); retrieves a proper pay table or tables from the pay tables 223(514); adjusts the RC of the player in the RC repository 226 asinstructed (516); applies the P/RNG result to the particular pay tableor tables (518); and multiplies the resultant factor from the Pay Tableby the amount of RC to determine the result of the wager (518). WagerControl Module 222 then adds the amount of RC won by the wager to the RCrepository 426 (520); and provides he outcome of the wager, and theamount of RC in the RWE and the RC won (522). One skilled in the artwill recognize that there may be many embodiments of an RWE 204 whichcould be possible, including forms where many modules and components ofthe RWE are located in various servers and locations, so the foregoingis not meant to be exhaustive or all inclusive, but rather provideinformation about an RWE 204 in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention.

A block diagram of components an ESE being provided by an ESE host for agambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of the invention areshown in FIG. 6. An ESE 610 may be part of the entertainment gameitself, may be a software module that is executed by the entertainmentgame, or may provide an execution environment for the entertainment gamefor a particular host. The ESE 610 and associated entertainment game arehosted by an ESE host 600. The ESE host 600 is a computing device thatis capable of hosting the ESE 610 and the entertainment game. Exemplaryhosts include video game consoles, smart phones, personal computers,tablet computers, or the like. The entertainment game includes a gameengine 612 that generates a player interface 605 for interaction with bya player. The player interface includes a player presentation 635 thatis presented to a player through the player interface. The playerpresentation 635 may be audio, visual or tactile, or any combination ofsuch. The player interface 635 further includes one or more Human InputDevices (HIDs) 630 that the player uses to interact with theentertainment game. Various components or sub-engines of the game engineread data from a game state in order to implement the features of thegame. Components of the game engine include a physics engine 640 used tosimulate physical interactions between virtual objects in the gamestate, a rules engine 645 for implementing the rules of the game, aP/RNG that may be used for influencing or determining certain variablesand/or outcomes to provide a randomizing influence on game play, agraphics engine 650 used to generate a visual representation of the gamestate to the player, an audio engine to generate audio outputs for theplayer interface, and any other engine needed to provide theentertainment game. The game engine 612 reads and writes game resources615 stored on a data store of the ESE host. The game resources 615include game objects 655 having graphics and/or control logic used toimplement game world objects of the game engine. The game resources 615also include video files 675 that are used to generate cut-scenes forthe entertainment game. The game resources 615 may also include audiofiles 660 used to generate music, sound effects, etc. within theentertainment game. The game resources 615 may also includeconfiguration files 670 used to configure the features of theentertainment game. The game resources 615 may also include scripts 665or other types of control code used to implement various game playfeatures of the entertainment game. The game resources 615 may alsoinclude graphics resources 680 including, but not limited to, textures,and objects that are used by the game engine to render objects displayedin the entertainment game.

In operation, components of the game engine 612 read portions of thegame state 625 and generate the player presentation for the player whichis presented to the player using the player interface 605. The playerperceives the presentation 635 and provides player inputs using the HIDs630. The corresponding player inputs are received as player actions orinputs by various components of the game engine 612. The game enginetranslates the player actions into interactions with the virtual objectsof the game world stored in the game state 625. Components of the gameengine 612 use the player interactions with the virtual objects of thegame and the game state 625 to update the game state 625 and update thepresentation 635 presented to the user. The process loops in a game loopcontinuously while the player plays the game.

In some embodiments, the ESE is a host running a browser thatcommunicates with a server serving documents in a markup language, suchas Hypertext Markup Language 5 (HTML 5) or the like, and the functionsof the game engine are performed by the browser on the basis of themarkup language found in the documents. In some embodiments, the ESE isa host hosting a specialized software platform, such as Adobe Flash orthe like, used to implement games or other types of multimediapresentations, and the functions of the game engine are performed by thespecialized platform.

The ESE 610 provides one or more interfaces between an entertainmentgame and other components 620 of a gambling hybrid game, such as a GWE.The ESE 610 and the other gambling hybrid game component 620 communicatewith each other using the interfaces, such as by passing various typesof data and sending and receiving messages, status information, commandsand the like. Examples of communications include, but are not limitedto, requesting by the gambling hybrid game component 620 that the ESE610 update the game state using information provided by the othercomponent; requesting, by the gambling hybrid game component 620, thatthe ESE 610 update one or more game resources using information providedby the gambling hybrid game component 620; the ESE 610 providing all ora portion of the game state; the ESE 610 providing one or more of thegame resources to the gambling hybrid game component 620; and the ESE610 communicating player actions to the other gambling hybrid gamecomponent 620. The player actions may be low level player interactionswith the player interface, such as manipulation of an HID, or may behigh level interactions with objects as determined by the entertainmentgame. The player actions may also include resultant actions such asmodifications to the game state or game resources resulting from theplayer's actions taken in the game. Other examples of player actionsinclude actions taken by entities, such as Non-Player Characters (NPC)of the entertainment game, that act on behalf of, or under the controlof, the player.

Elements are a limited resource consumed within an entertainment game toadvance entertainment game gameplay. In playing the entertainment gameusing the elements, a player can (optionally) consume and accrue GameWorld Credits (GWC) within the entertainment game. These credits can bein the form of (but are not limited to) game world credits, experiencepoints, or points generally. Wagers can be made in the gambling game astriggered by the player's use of one or more elements of theentertainment game. The wagers are made using Real world Credits (RC).The real world credits can be credits in an actual currency, or can becredits in a virtual currency which may have a real world value.Gambling outcomes from the gambling game can cause consumption, loss oraccrual of RC. In addition, gambling outcomes in the gambling game caninfluence elements in the entertainment game such as (but not limitedto) by restoring a consumed element, causing the loss of an element,restoration or placement of a fixed element. In certain embodiments,gambling games can facilitate the wager of GWC for a randomly generatedpayout of GWC or a wager of elements for a randomly generated payout ofelements. In particular embodiments, an amount of GWC and/or elementsused as part of a wager can have a RC value if cashed out of a gameplaysession.

Example elements include Enabling Elements (EE) which are elements thatenable a player's play of the entertainment game and whose consumptionby the player while playing the entertainment game can trigger a wagerin a gambling game. Another non limiting example of an element is aReserve Enabling Element (REE), which is an element that converts intoone or more enabling elements upon occurrence of a release event inskill wagering interleaved game gameplay. Other types of elementsinclude Actionable Elements (AE) which are elements that are acted uponto trigger a wager in the gambling game and may or may not be restorableduring normal play of the entertainment game. Another type of element isa Common Enabling Element (CEE) which as an element that may be sharedby two or more players and the use of which by any of the players causesa wager to be triggered.

In progressing through entertainment game gameplay, elements can beutilized by a player during interactions with a Controlled Entity (CE)which is a character, entity, inanimate object, device or other objectunder control of a player.

Also, entertainment game gameplay progress and wager triggers can bedependent upon a game world variable such as, but not limited to: aRequired Game Object (RGO) which is a specific game object in anentertainment game acted upon for an AE to be completed (such as but notlimited to a specific key needed to open a door); a RequiredEnvironmental Condition (REC) which is a game state present within anentertainment game for an AE to be completed (such as but not limited todaylight whose presence enables a character to walk through woods); or aControlled Entity Characteristic (CEC) which is a status of the CEwithin an entertainment game for an AE to be completed (such as but notlimited to a CE to have full health points before entering battle).Although various gameplay resources, such as but not limited to GWC, RCand elements as discussed above, any gameplay resource can be utilizedto advance gameplay as well as form the basis for a trigger of a wageras appropriate to the specification of a specific application inaccordance with various embodiments of the invention. Various hybridgames are discussed in PCT Application Nos. PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar.1, 2011, PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, and PCT/US12/50204 filedAug. 9, 2012, each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

In accordance with some embodiments, a player can interact with agambling hybrid game by using RC in interactions with a gambling gamealong with GWC and elements in interactions with an entertainment game.The gambling game can be executed by a RWE while an entertainment gamecan be executed with an ESE and managed with a GWE. A conceptual diagramthat illustrates how resources such as GWC, RC and elements, such as butnot limited to Enabling Elements (EE), are utilized in a gambling hybridgame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIG. 7. The conceptual diagram illustrates that RC 704, EE 708 and GWC706 can be utilized by a player 702 in interactions with the RWE 710,GWE 712 and ESE 714 of a based gambling hybrid game 716. Thecontribution of elements, such as EE 708, can be linked to a player'saccess to credits, such as RC 704 or GWC 706. Electronic receipt ofthese credits can come via a smart card, voucher or other portablemedia, or as received over a network from a server. In accordance withcertain embodiments, these credits can be drawn on demand from a playerprofile located in a database locally on a gambling hybrid game or in aremote server.

A conceptual diagram that illustrates the interplay between aspects of agambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionusing Real world Credit (RC) is illustrated in FIG. 8. Similar to FIG.7, a player's actions and/or decisions can affect functions 806 thatconsume and/or accumulate GWC 802 and/or EE 804 in an entertainment gameexecuted by an ESE 810. A GWE 812 can monitor the activities takingplace within an entertainment game executed by an ESE 810 for gameplaygambling event occurrences. The GWE 812 can also communicate thegameplay gambling event occurrences to an RWE 814 that triggers a wagerof RC 816 in a gambling game executed by the RWE 814.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the following mayoccur during use of the gambling hybrid game. The user enters an inputthat represents an action or decision (850). The ESE 810 signals the GWE812 with the input decision or action (852). The GWE 812 responds bysignaling to ESE 810 with the amount of EE that is consumed by theplayer action or decision (854). The signaling from the GWE 812configures a function 806 to control the EE consumption, decay, and/oraccumulation.

The ESE 810 then adjusts the EE 804 accordingly (856). The GWE 812signals the RWE 814 as to the profile of the wager propositionassociated with the action or decision and triggers the wager (858). TheRWE 814 consumes the appropriate amount of RC 816 and executes the wager(860). The RWE 814 then adjusts the RC 816 based upon the outcome of thewager (862) and informs the GWE 812 as to the outcome of the wager(864).

The GWE 812 signals the ESE 810 to adjust EE to one or more of the EEsof the ESE entertainment game (866). Function 806 of the ESE 810performs the adjustment of EE 804 (868). The ESE 810 signals the GWE 812as to the updated status (870). In response, the GWE 812 signals the ESE810 to update GWC 802 of the entertainment game. The ESE updates the GWC802 using a function 806 (872).

The following is an example of the above flow in a first person shootergame, such a Call of Duty ®, using a gambling hybrid game sequence inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

The process begins by a player selecting a machine gun to use in thegame and then fires a burst of bullets at an opponent (850). The ESE 810signals the GWE 812 of the player's choice of weapon, that a burst ofbullets was fired, and the outcome of the burst (852). GWE 812 processesthe information received and signals ESE 810 to consume 3 bullets (EE)with each pull of the trigger (854). The ESE 810 consumes 3 bullets forthe burst using function 806 (856).

The GWE 812 signals the RWE 814 that 3 credits (RC) are to be wagered tomatch the three bullets consumed. The RWE 814 then determines the resultof the wager and may determine the winnings from a pay table. On aparticular pay table (Table Ln-RC), a determination is made by RWE 814as to the amount of damage that the opponent has sustained. The RWE 814consumes 3 credits of RC 816 for the wager and executes the specifiedwager (860). The RWE 814 determines that the player hit a jackpot of 6credits and returns the 6 credits to the RC 816 (862) and signals theGWE 812 that 3 net credits were won by the player (864).

The GWE 812 signals ESE 810 to add 3 bullets to an ammunition clip(866). ESE 810 adds 3 bullets back to the ammo clip (EE 804) using afunction 806 (868). The ammunition may be added by directly adding theammunition to the clip or by allowing the user to find extra ammunitionduring game play. The GWE 812 logs the new player score (GWC 802) in thegame (as a function of the successful hit on the opponent) based on theESE 810 signaling, and the signals the ESE 810 to add 2 extra points tothe player score since a jackpot has been won (870). The ESE 810 thenadds 10 points to the player score (GWC 802) given the success of thehit which in this example is worth 8 points, plus the 2 extra pointsrequested by GWE 812 (872). Note that the foregoing example is onlyintended to provide an illustration of how credits flow in a gamblinghybrid game, but is not intended to be exhaustive and only lists onlyone of numerous possibilities of how a gambling hybrid game may beconfigured to manage its fundamental credits.

A conceptual diagram that illustrates the interplay between aspects of agambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionusing virtual real world credit (VRC) is illustrated in FIG. 9. As seenin the FIG. 9, substituting VRC in place of RC is effected withoutimpact to the architecture or operation of the gambling hybrid game. Theimplementation of FIG. 9 is not the only embodiment using virtualcurrency within a gambling hybrid game, but shows only one permutationof which many could exist.

Similar to FIG. 8, a player's actions and/or decisions can affectfunctions 906 that consume and/or accumulate GWC 902 and/or EE 904 in anentertainment game executed by an ESE 910 in the process shown in FIG.9. A GWE 912 can monitor the activities taking place within anentertainment game executed by an ESE 910 for gameplay gambling eventoccurrences. The GWE 912 can also communicate the gameplay gamblingevent occurrences to a RWE 914. Unlike the process shown in FIG. 8, RWE914 triggers a wager of virtual real world credit (VRC) 916 in agambling game executed by the RWE 914.

For purposes of this discussion, VRC can be thought of as a form ofalternate currency, which can be acquired, purchased or transferred, inunit or in bulk, by/to a player, but does not necessarily directlycorrelate to RC or real currency. As an example, there is a virtualcurrency called “Triax Jacks”, 1000 units of which are given to a playerby an operator of a gambling hybrid game, with additional blocks of 1000units being available for purchase for $5 USD each block. Triax Jackscould be redeemed for various prizes, or could never be redeemed butsimply used and traded purely for entertainment value by players. Itwould be completely consistent with the architecture of the gamblinghybrid game that Triax Jacks would be wagered in place of RC, such thatthe gambling hybrid game could be played for free, or with played withoperator sponsored Triax Jacks.

Returning to the process in FIG. 9, the following may occur during useof the gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. The user enters an input that represents an action ordecision (950). The ESE 910 signals the GWE 912 with the input decisionor action (952). The GWE 912 responds by signaling to ESE 910 with theamount of EE that is consumed by the player action or decision (954).The signaling from the GWE 912 configures a function 906 to control theEE consumption, decay, and/or accumulation.

The ESE 910 then adjusts the EE 904 accordingly (956). The GWE 912signals the RWE 914 as to the profile of the wager propositionassociated with the action or decision and triggers the wager (958). TheRWE 914 consumes the appropriate amount of RC 916 and executes the wager(960). The RWE 914 then adjusts the RC 916 based upon the outcome of thewager (962) and informs the GWE 912 as to the outcome of the wager(964).

The GWE 912 signals the ESE 910 to adjust EE to one or more of the EEsof the ESE entertainment game (966). Function 906 of the ESE 910performs the adjustment of EE 904 (968). The ESE 910 signals the GWE 912as to the updated status (970). In response, the GWE 912 signals the ESE910 to update GWC 902 of the entertainment game. The ESE updates the GWC902 using a function 906 (972).

Network Based Gambling Hybrid Game

A system diagram that illustrates an implementation of a networkdistributed gambling hybrid game with a GWE local server in accordancewith embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. In thefigure, the gambling hybrid game 1000 includes components, RWE 1002embedded in a device used as the user interface for player 1003. Thedevice provides both a RWE/GWE user interface 1005 and an ESE userinterface 1007 for the player. The ESE is provisioned by an ESE hostingserver 1004 via ESE interface 1009, and the GWE is provisioned by GWEserver 1006 as indicated by the dashed line. Also pictured in thediagram are a number of other peripheral systems, such as playermanagement 1008, casino management 1010, regulatory 1012, hybrid gameplayer account management 1014, and taxation authority 1016 hostingservers that may be present in such an implementation. FIG. 10 alsoillustrates various other systems, which may reside outside the boundsof the casino and are connected to the framework via communicationsnetwork, such as the Internet 1020, depicted by the connection linespast the casino firewall 1022. The end devices utilized for userinterfaces for a gambling hybrid game include, but are not limited to,casino electronic game machines 1030 and wireless or portable devices,such as smart phone 1032, personal digital assistants, tablet computers,video gaming consoles or the like. These disparate devices are connectedwithin and without the casino through the casino's informationtechnology structure as illustrated by routers 1040 a, 1040 b and 1040c. It should be understood that FIG. 10 does not attempt to illustrateall servers and systems to which a gambling hybrid game 1000 might beinevitably be connected, and indeed one might expect there would beothers, but rather provides an example of a set of a sub-set of systemswhich would be present in an exemplary embodiment of an installation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another implementation of a gambling hybridgame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the figure, thegambling hybrid game 1101 includes components, RWE 1104 embedded in adevice used as the user interface for player 1103. The device providesboth a RWE/GWE user interface 1105 and an ESE user interface 1007 forthe player. The ESE is provisioned by an ESE hosting server 1104 via ESEinterface 1109. Also pictured in the diagram are a number of otherperipheral systems, such as player management 1108, casino management1110, regulatory 1112, hybrid game player account management 1114, andtaxation authority 1116 hosting servers that may be present in such animplementation. In the figure, note that the GWE is composed of twosub-components, a local GWE server 1120, and a cloud server 1122(components within the dash line area 1124). In the figure, certain ofthe components are located within the bounds of the casino, namely theRWE, the ESE and a portion of the GWE, namely the local GWE server 1120.The Cloud Server GWE 1122 is located in the cloud connected to thecasino bounded gambling hybrid game components via communicationsnetwork such as the Internet 1130 through a firewall 1132. FIG. 11 alsoillustrates various other systems, which may reside outside the boundsof the casino and are connected to the framework via communicationsnetwork. The end devices utilized for user interfaces for a gamblinghybrid game include, but are not limited to, casino electronic gamemachines, 1134 a and 1134 b, and wireless or portable devices, such assmart phone 1136, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, videogaming consoles or the like. These disparate devices are connectedwithin and without the casino through the casino's informationtechnology structure as illustrated by routers 1140 a, 1140 b and 1140c. It should be understood that FIG. 11 does not attempt to illustrateall servers and systems to which a gambling hybrid game might beinevitably be connected, and indeed one might expect there would beothers, but rather provides an example of a set of a sub-set of systemswhich would be present in an exemplary embodiment of an installation.

A system diagram that illustrates an implementation of network a cloudbased gambling hybrid game over the Internet in accordance with anembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. The systemincludes an ESE server 1202, GWE server 1204 and RWE server 1206 thateach connect to a user interface, 1210 a or 1210 b, (such as, but notlimited to, a television screen, computer terminal, tablet, touchscreenor PDA) of gambling hybrid games over the Internet 1208. Each gamblinghybrid game includes a local ESE 1212 a or 1212 b (such as, but notlimited to, a video game console or a gaming computer system) thatinterfaces with a remote ESE server 1002. Processes performed by an ESE1212 a or 1212 b can be performed in multiple locations, such as, butnot limited to, remotely on an ESE server 1202 and locally on a localESE 1212 a. In addition, a gambling hybrid game may include a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA) 1214 or other type of mobile computing devicegame coupled to the ESE hosting server 1202, thus providing theopportunity for a player to play a gambling hybrid game on the PDAthrough a mobile phone or data network.

There are many possible permutations of how a gambling hybrid game couldbe constructed, with FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 showing only three possiblepermutations and provided as examples, which are not intended to suggestlimitations to the forms of the architecture. Other embodiments includea version where the entire gambling hybrid game is in the cloud withonly a client running on player terminal within the bounds of thecasino, or a version where the RWE and GWE are casino bound and the ESEexists in the cloud, accessed by a client running on a terminal in thecasino.

Processing Apparatuses

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, theseprocessing apparatuses can include, but are not limited to, a client, aserver, a mobile device such as a smartphone, a personal digitalassistant or the like, a wireless device such as a tablet computer orthe like, an electronic gaming machine, a general purpose computer, acomputing device and/or a controller. A processing apparatus constructedto implement one or more components of a gambling hybrid game inaccordance with embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 13.In the processing apparatus 1300, a processor 1304 is coupled to amemory 1306 by a bus 1328. The processor 1304 is also coupled tonon-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as a storagedevice 1308 that stores processor-executable instructions 1312 and data1310 through the system bus 1328 to an I/O bus 1326 through a storagecontroller 1318. The processor 1304 is also coupled to one or moreinterfaces that can be used to connect the processor to other processingapparatuses as well as networks as described herein. The processor 1304is also coupled via the bus to user input devices 1314, such as tactiledevices including, but not limited to, keyboards, keypads, foot pads,touch screens, and/or trackballs; as well as non-contact devices such asaudio input devices, motion sensors and motion capture devices that theprocessing apparatus can use to receive inputs from a user when the userinteracts with the processing apparatus. The processor 1304 is connectedto these user input devices 1314 through the system bus 1328, to the I/Obus 1326 and through the input controller 1320. The processor 1304 isalso coupled via the bus to user output devices 1316 such as (but notlimited to) visual output devices, audio output devices, and/or tactileoutput devices that the processing apparatus uses to generate outputsperceivable by the user when the user interacts with the processingapparatus. In accordance with some embodiments, the processor is coupledto visual output devices such as (but not limited to) display screens,light panels, and/or lighted displays. In accordance with particularembodiments, the processor is coupled to audio output devices such as(but not limited to) speakers, and/or sound amplifiers. In accordancewith many of these embodiments, the processor 1304 is coupled to tactileoutput devices like vibrators, and/or manipulators. The processor 1304is connected to output devices from the system bus 1328 to the I/O bus1326 and through the output controller 1322. The processor 1304 can alsobe connected to a communications interface 1302 from the system bus 1328to the I/O bus 1326 through a communications controller 1324.

In accordance with various embodiments, a processor 1304 can loadinstructions and data from the storage device into the memory 1306. Theprocessor 1304 can also execute instructions that operate on the data toimplement various aspects and features of the components of a gamblinghybrid game. The processor 1304 can utilize various input and outputdevices in accordance with the instructions and the data in order tocreate and operate user interfaces for players or operators of agambling hybrid game (such as but not limited to a casino that hosts thegambling hybrid game).

Although the processing apparatus 1300 is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with other embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, those skilled in the art of processingapparatuses will understand that the storage device can includeremovable media such as, but not limited to, a USB memory device, anoptical CD ROM, magnetic media such as tape and disks. Also, in certainembodiments, the storage device can be accessed by processor 1304through one of the interfaces or over a network. In some embodiments, anetworked storage system, such as a “cloud” storage system, may be usedas a storage device. Furthermore, any of the user input devices or useroutput devices can be coupled to the processor 1304 via one of theinterfaces or over a network. In addition, although a single processor1304 is described, those skilled in the art will understand that theprocessor 1304 can be a controller or other computing device or aseparate computer as well as be composed of multiple processors orcomputing devices including one or more processors.

A Gambling Hybrid Game With Passively Triggered Wagering

In accordance with some embodiments, the consumption of some EE, such asbut not limited to armor, is not explicitly triggered by the player'sactions. This type of EE is referred to as a “Passively ActuatedEnabling Element” (PAEE) is consumed through entertainment game play butnot directly through player action. In accordance with some embodiments,as soon as the PAEE is deployed in the game, the associated RC isconsidered “cordoned off” and is considered unavailable as regards tothe consumption of other forms of PAEE and/or other gambling gameinitiation modes (i.e. AE, CEE, Manual Triggering, etc.). One skilled inthe art will note that the use of PAEE typically results in a morehighly skilled player triggering fewer gambling events in the gamblinggame via PAEE because the skilled player does not consume the EE asquickly. This is demonstrated by an example of armor in a shooting gamein which the skilled player does not get hit by fire as frequently as anovice or unskilled player. Thus, triggering less gambling events viathe armor.

Other examples of game world elements that may be used as PAEE include,but are not limited to: water, land, sunlight or other game worldresources in a farm simulator game; fuel, tires or other game worldresources in a racing game; buildable land areas or other game worldresources in a city simulation game; and playing piece locations orother game world resources in a board game.

A process for providing PAEE enabling gambling events in a gamblinghybrid game in accordance with embodiments of this invention is shown inFIG. 14. In process 1400, the player begins playing the gambling hybridgame (1405). The start of play may be commenced by the player entering aspecific amount of RC or VRC to play. A minimum amount of RC may berequired by the casino to enable play. Upon starting the game, theplayer selects (1410) between using either an account version in which aplayer account is used to provide Real World Credits (RWC) and/or gameworld credits (GWC) and the account information of the player isaccessed (1412); or a stand-alone or host version (1414) of the game inwhich RWC and/or GWC is entered on a per-play basis.

Regardless of the selected type of game play, the ESE determines whethera PAEE is enabled (1415). In accordance with embodiments of thisinvention, the use of a PAEE may not be allowed during the entirety ofentertainment game play. A PAEE may be enabled in a variety of ways inaccordance with different embodiments of the invention. In accordancewith some embodiments, the logic by which PAEE is used by a player maybe established at the onset of gambling hybrid game play, in real timeduring gambling hybrid game play, or at other times as dictated by thegambling hybrid game possibly as a function of casino input or otherinputs. In accordance with some embodiments, a PAEE is enabled byconversion choices affected by the player in the entertainment and/orgambling game. In a number of embodiments, a PAEE may be enabled by thecasino or other providers choices which may be temporal or permanent innature or a combination thereof. In accordance with many embodiments,the PAEE may be enabled from one or more variables within theentertainment game. In accordance with some embodiments, the PAEE may beenabled from one or more variables within the player profile. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the PAEE may be enable from variablesbased on gambling wins. The GWE may or may not also take into accountthe entertainment game state, and/or other variables to enable a PAEE.

Furthermore, the use of PAEE within a specific gambling hybrid game canbe affected at any time at the behest of a player; a casino or otherprovider; and/or the gambling hybrid game logic in accordance with anumber of embodiments. In some embodiments, the use of a PAEE can beenabled at specific times dictated by the entertainment game play;gambling hybrid game logic; the casino or other provider; regulatoryrestrictions or rules; or other factors.

To enable a PAEE, the PAEE may be accessed by a player in a variety ofways in various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, RCmay be specifically allotted to PAEE at the start of gameplay of thegambling hybrid game. PAEE may not be purchased during gameplay, andonly PAEE initiates wagers during gameplay. In many embodiments, RC maybe specifically allotted to PAEE at the start of gameplay. Further PAEEmay not be purchased during gameplay, and different EE types includingPAEE initiate wagers during gameplay. These different EE may beassociated with different pay tables.

A specific PAEE may be enabled in the gambling hybrid game in a varietyof ways. In some embodiments, a player may elect to purchase PAEE duringgameplay of the entertainment game. Once purchased, additional PAEE maynot be added during gameplay of the entertainment game. In manyembodiments, a player may elect to purchase PAEE during gameplay. Oncepurchased, additional PAEE may be added during gameplay. In a number ofembodiments, a portion of a feedback loop from gameplay of theentertainment game will result in the availability of PAEE duringgameplay. PAEE may or may not be purchased automatically. In someembodiments, winning a certain amount of quanta will enable PAEE asdiscussed further below. In several embodiments, gaining a specificskill level will enable one or more PAEE. In many embodiments, obtaininga specific Game World Object will enable one or more PAEE.

If a PAEE is not enabled, the gambling hybrid game commences game playof the entertainment game and gambling events in the gambling game areinitiated in another manner (1450).

The gambling hybrid game displays the wagering amounts and the relativeEE values of the selected PAEE(s) in the entertainment game (1420). Theentertainment system engine then commences game play of theentertainment game (1425). If the player has played the game before, theplayer may have the ability to select one of a multitude of levels toplay as a function of information stored in their player account. Insome embodiments, the player must commence play at a prescribed level.Players that demonstrate exceptional skill may also be exposed tospecific “bonus” levels with enhanced game play (in terms of theentertainment game and/or gambling game play).

The GWE determines whether there is at least one PAEE available to theuser (1430). If not, the gambling hybrid game determines whether a PAEEis required for game play (1432). If a PAEE is required, the gamblinghybrid game determines whether the players have funds available topurchase the PAEE in the entertainment game via GWE, VRC, and/or quanta;and/or whether the player has sufficient RWC and/or VRC to cover wagersassociated with the PAEE (1434). If the player does not have therequisite funds available to purchase the PAEE and/or cover the wagers,the gambling hybrid game may prompt the user to provide additional fundsto purchase the PAEE and/or cover the wager (1436). If the funds areavailable or after additional funds are added to funds to purchase thePAEE and/or cover the wager, the gambling hybrid game prompts the userto convert the funds to the required PAEE (1437). If the PAEE is added,game play of the entertainment game continues (1425). Otherwise, gameplay of the gambling hybrid game is ended.

If the PAEE is not determined to be required for game play (1432), thegambling hybrid game determines whether wagering on gambling events isrequired (1446). If wagering on gambling events is not required,non-wagering gameplay of the entertainment game commences (1448). Ifwagering is required, the gambling hybrid game determines if anothertype of trigger for a gambling hybrid game is available and if theplayer has sufficient RC and/or VRC to wager (1447). If the player doesnot have sufficient funds for the gambling game, the player is promptedto add additional funds (1436). If the player is determined to havesufficient funds and/or additional funds are added, the gambling hybridgame commences game play of the entertainment game and gambling eventsin the gambling game are initiated in another manner (1450).

If at least one PAEE is available, the GWE monitors game play throughupdates from the ESE to determine if the PAEE is triggered (1435). Ifthe PAEE is not triggered, gameplay continues until the PAEE istriggered. If the PAEE is triggered during game play of theentertainment game, the entertainment system engine deducts the PAEE(1440). The ESE also determines the result and score from the triggeringof the PAEE (1460) and displays the result as part of the game play(1465). The game world engine triggers a gambling event in a gamblinggame with the wager(s) associated with the PAEE (1470).

The real world engine determines the results of the gambling event andthe associated wager(s) associated with the PAEE (1475). In someembodiments, each PAEE is associated with a different pay table, and thepay table information for each PAEE may be described to the player ingeneral or specific terms as part of a set up process or introductoryscreens. The pay table information may also be available at all timesthrough a drop-down or pull-up display of “info”, a separate physicaldisplay, a graphical overlay, other user interface or the like.

The results of the gambling event are then provided by the RWE to theGWE (1477) and the results of any wagers are displayed to the player(1479). The game play of the entertainment game then continues (1480).If a player runs out of a PAEE, several embodiments of the inventionrequire the selection or purchase of additional PAEE using RC beforeadditional EE can be consumed or AE undertaken in entertainment game. Inother embodiments, if a player runs out of PAEE, the entertainment gamecan still be played, but in a non-gambling mode only or in a virtualcurrency mode only.

In accordance with some embodiments, the result of a gambling event of agambling game and/or a combination of the results of the gambling eventof the gambling game and game play of the entertainment game are used todetermine an amount of quanta to award a player. For purposes of thisdiscussion, quanta is a currency that may be exchanged to change anentertainment game characteristic. A process performed by a gamblinghybrid game to award quanta based on the result of a passively triggeredgambling event of a gambling game and the results of game play of thegambling game in accordance with embodiments of the invention is show inFIG. 15.

In process 1500, a AE, CE, EE, PAEE or other interaction between playerresources and entertainment game resources occurs (1505). Theentertainment system engine then determines the results of the actionand updates the game parameters including, but not limited to, the score(1510). The game world engine detects the occurrence of the interactionand determines whether a gambling event is to occur based on the action.The game world engine can detect any of a variety of triggering eventsappropriate to the requirements of a particular entertainment game beingprovided by the gambling hybrid game. To resolve the gambling event, thegame world engine requests that the real world engine determine theresult of the gambling event in the gambling game(s) and associatedwagers (1520). The real world engine determines the results of thegambling event and any associated wagers (1525). The results of thegambling event are then provided by the RWE to the GWE (1527) and theresults of any wagers are displayed to the player.

The GWE obtains the results of the gambling event and associated wagersfrom the RWE. These results are used to determine the amount of quantato award the player in some embodiments. If the entertainment gameresults of the occurrence also affect the amount of quanta awarded, theresults of the occurrence in the entertainment game are provided to theGWE (1515) from the ESE. Based upon the results of the gambling eventreceived from the RWE and possibly the results of the play of theentertainment game received from the ESE, the GWE determines an amountof quanta (if any) to award the player (1530). If quanta is awarded(1535), the amount of quanta awarded, and/or the total amount of quantaavailable to the player are displayed (1537). Regardless of the award ofquanta, game play of the entertainment game is continued by the ESE(1540). During game play, quanta based play may be made available (1550)to the player. For purposes of this discussion, quanta based play meansthat the gambling hybrid game provides the option to a player toexchange an amount of quanta for a change to a game characteristic ofthe entertainment game. In accordance with many embodiments, the quantamay be exchanged to purchase a game element that affects a gamecharacteristic. Some examples of game elements that may be purchasedusing quanta include, but are not limited to, improved weapons, extralives, improved vehicles, shielding, “slow down” of the enemy movements,and a pause in enemy movements. In accordance with many embodiments ofthe invention, each of the game elements affects a characteristic, forexample an improved weapon may changes the game characteristic of firingrate from one shot per firing to two shots per firing. One skilled inthe art will recognize that these are only examples and other changes tothe game characteristics of the entertainment game in exchange for acertain amount of quanta may be offered in accordance with embodimentsof this invention.

If quanta based play is available, the GWE detects when the playerexchanges quanta to change a game characteristic (1555). In accordancewith some embodiments, the user may use the quanta to purchase a PAEE(1765). The RC for a wager associated with the PAEE is obtained from theplayer and the quanta spent by the player is deducted from the amount ofquanta available to the player (1560). The PAEE is displayed in theentertainment game (1570) and game play using the PAEE then begins. Whenthe PAEE is expended (1580), the ESE indicates that the PAEE is consumedand determines the results in the entertainment game accordingly (1585).The GWE also requests the determination of results of a gambling eventand the wager associated with the PAEE from the RWE (1590). The RWEdetermines the result of the gambling event and the wager on the resultof the gambling event associated with the PAEE and provides the resultto the GWE (1527).

If the player uses the quanta to change a game characteristic in aconventional manner by purchasing a non-PAEE element (1575), the quantaspent on the change of a game characteristic can be deducted from theamount of quanta available to the player (1560) and informationregarding the change in the game characteristic is provided to the ESEfor incorporation in the continuation of game play (1540).

Although specific processes for conducting a gambling hybrid game inwhich the passive consumption of enabling elements triggers gamblingevents are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, any of avariety of processes for passively triggering gambling events within agambling hybrid game can be utilized as appropriate to the requirementsof specific applications in accordance with embodiments of thisinvention.

Examples of Gambling Hybrid Games With Passively Triggered Wagering

In accordance with many embodiments, the gambling hybrid game provides afixed shooter game as an entertainment game. In accordance withembodiments providing a fixed shooter game, a player may use a “shield”that has certain durability. For example, the case where the player haselected to use RC or quanta to buy three armor units. The three armorunits allow the player's ship to be hit three times by alien fire beforethe ship is destroyed (with the fourth such hit). When the player's shiptakes a hit from an alien, a single armor unit (EE) is consumed, and acorresponding commitment of RC is made to a gambling proposition withits associated pay table.

In many embodiments the gambling hybrid game provides a shooter game asthe entertainment game. In some embodiments, a player may use armor thatprotects from specific weapons. For example, the case where a player haselected to use RC or quanta to buy fire-proof armor that may consume 5shots from an enemy. This allows a player to be hit five times with aflame-thrower weapon without taking health damage until the PAEE isconsumed. When the player takes a hit from a specific weapon, a singlearmor unit (PAEE) is consumed, and a corresponding commitment of RC ismade to a gambling proposition with its associated pay table. Otherweapons may cause damage to the player without committing RC to agambling proposition.

In some embodiments, the gambling hybrid game provides a word game asthe entertainment game and PAEE may be provided in the following manner.An opponent playing a word on a bonus tile that is part of the playingboard and not placed there by the player, thus consuming a PAEE and acorresponding commitment of RC is made to a gambling proposition for theplayer as a result of the gameplay of the opponent, with the RCcommitment's associated pay table. Other tiles may cause damage to theplayer without committing RC to a gambling proposition.

A gambling hybrid game provides a map-based conquest game as theentertainment game in some embodiments. In a number of theseembodiments, an opponent invading other nations may consume “homeguards” or soldiers of a player that are each PAEE, and a correspondingcommitment of RC is made to a gambling proposition for the player as aresult of the gameplay of the opponent, with the RC commitment'sassociated pay table.

A game similar to MONOPOLY™ distributed by Hasbro Inc. of Pawtucket,R.I. is provided as an entertainment game in a gambling hybrid game inaccordance with some embodiments. In a number of these embodiments, aPAEE is house, hotel, and/or property may be a PAEE. A PAEE is enabledby a player placing a hotel on property the player owns and may requirea commitment of funds to the PAEE. If an opponent lands on that square,the PAEE is triggered, causing a gambling event having a commitment ofRC from the player, where the gambling event is for the player thatplaced the hotel on the property. In some embodiments, the gamblingevent creates a commitment of RC from the player's opponent who landedon the property with the gambling event being for the player's opponent.

In some embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides a board game as theentertainment game. The board game may be, but is not limited to, chessor checkers. A specific game piece of a player may be a PAEE inaccordance with some embodiments. A value may be assigned to aparticular piece, and bets for the player are triggered if an opponentcaptures that particular piece.

In accordance with some embodiments, the availability of various PAEEcan be indicated to the player graphically via the conversion, forexample, of an icon representing PAEE options from “greyed out” to “fullcolor” when the factors that are required for the conversion are metwithin the Hybrid Game. In a number of embodiments, PAEE may beautomatically allocated based on the RC available and continuallyupdated through gameplay.

Although certain specific features and aspects of a gaming system havebeen described herein, many additional modifications and variationswould be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the featuresand aspects described herein may be implemented independently,cooperatively or alternatively without deviating from the spirit of thedisclosure. It is therefore to be understood that a hybrid gaming systemmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, theforegoing description of the hybrid gaming system should be consideredin all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theclaims to be determined as supported by this disclosure and the claims'equivalents, rather than the foregoing description.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for providing a hybrid game including agambling game and an interactive entertainment game, comprising: aprocessing device, connected to a game world server via a network,constructed to: execute the interactive entertainment game; receive,from a player, a request to introduce a passively actuated enablingelement into the interactive entertainment game wherein the passivelyactuated enabling element is an enabling element that is consumedthrough game play of the interactive entertainment game in a manner thatis not directly responsive to a player action; provide a visual displayof the interactive entertainment game; communicate, to the game worldserver via the network, a signal including an update of interactiveentertainment game information; receive, from the game world server viathe network, a signal including a result of a gambling event; anddisplay to the player the result of the gambling event; a real worldserver, connected to the game world server via a communication link,constructed to: receive, from the game world server via thecommunication link, a signal including a request for a resolution to thegambling event; determine a result of the gambling event; andcommunicate, to the game world server via the communication link, thesignal including a result of the gambling event; and the game worldserver, connected to the processing device via the network and connectedto the real world server via the communication link, constructed to:manage the interactive entertainment game; receive, from the processingdevice via the network, the request from the player to introduce thepassively actuated enabling element into the interactive entertainmentgame; deduct an amount of currency from a player account required tointroduce the passively actuated enabling element into the interactiveentertainment game; receive, from the processing device via the network,the signal including an update of interactive game information;determine when the passively actuated enabling element is consumed inthe interactive entertainment game based on the signal including anupdate of interactive entertainment game information; initiate thegambling event based on the determination that the passively actuatedenabling element has been consumed; communicate to the real world servervia the communication link, the signal including a request for aresolution to the gambling event; receive, from the real world servervia the communication link, the signal including a result of thegambling event; and communicate, to the processing device via thenetwork, the signal including a result of the gambling event.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the game world server is further constructedto automatically award an amount of a currency that may be used tochange an interactive entertainment game characteristic based on theresult of the gambling event.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the gameworld server is further constructed to automatically award an amount ofa currency that may be used to change an interactive entertainment gamecharacteristic based on the result of the gambling event as well as theresult of the consumption of the passively actuated enabling element inthe interactive entertainment game.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe game world server determines that the player account lacks theamount of currency required to introduce the passively actuated enablingelement into the interactive entertainment game, and wherein the gameworld server prompts the player to add additional currency to the playeraccount.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the real world server and thegame world server are constructed from different processing apparatuses,and wherein the game world server and the real world server areconnected by a network.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the game worldserver and the processing device are constructed from differentprocessing apparatuses; and wherein the game world server and theprocessing device are connected by a network.